Leeds United are now close to agreeing a deal to allow a member of their squad to leave in January as they look to reduce Daniel Farke’s ranks.
Leeds transfer news
Although currently top of the Championship, Leeds are still looking to strengthen their ranks this winter, according to reports.
The Elland Road side are reportedly looking for a potential new goalkeeper following several errors from Illan Meslier, while second-choice keeper Karl Darlow featured against Harrogate Town and helped his side to a 1-0 win against the local lower league team.
Leeds United next matches |
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Sheffield Wednesday (home) |
Norwich (House) |
Burnley (Away) |
Cardiff City (Home) |
Coventry City (Away) |
At the same time, they have renewed their interest in Mergim Berisha for the remainder of the campaign, seeking to increase the firepower of their ranks.
However, for it to happen there may need to be movement away from the current front line, which is already congested, and that is precisely what appears to be happening at Elland Road.
Leeds accept striker’s departure after offer
This comes as a free report from Hull Live claims that Leeds have ‘now sanctioned’ Joe Gelhardt’s loan departure for the remainder of the season, with the talented striker set to join Hull City for the second half of the Championship campaign.
It is even claimed the move ‘could be confirmed in the next 48 hours’ after he was left out of the squad against Harrogate Town, with Leeds and the 49ers accepting a loan offer from the Tigers.
He is expected to be eligible for Hull City’s next game, against Millwall on Saturday, and it is added that watching Hull City battle to a 3-3 draw with Leeds a week ago “confirmed his desire to join the Tigers “. .
Gelhardt’s exit doesn’t come as much of a surprise, with the striker having played just nine league minutes in the first half of the campaign and only starting once in the Carabao Cup.
Although Farke called him “a very high level human being and a quality player”, he opened the door when he left earlier in the month.
“Joffy (Gelhardt) is a candidate (to leave) because he hasn’t played much”explained the Leeds boss ahead of his side’s clash against Harrogate Town.
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However, Farke might be grateful that the move was just a loan move, with Gelhardt held in high regard by the German contractor.
“I have an open relationship with him (Gelhardt) and I have made it clear that I evaluate him. It’s difficult for him because he is a leading character with his qualities; it’s just a question of competition. I preferred to stay with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph. It’s difficult for him because he works hard in every training session. He knows that I trust him.
Gelhardt still has two and a half years to run on his £15,000-a-week contract at Elland Road, meaning all parties will have the opportunity to reassess his situation over the summer without the pressure of his contract expiring. contract, while the striker will get some well-deserved first-team action, albeit with one of Leeds’ Championship rivals.
